There’s a frequent tendency for employees to resort to the transportation box to get from floor to floor—an elevator. All conveniences aside, Occupational Health Services (OHS) has been using educational incentives and the chance to be entered into a raffle to encourage employees to think about their cardiovascular health and take the stairs.

Experiencing a persistent cough, tight chest, and sinus discomfort can be uncomfortable. When you have these symptoms, it’s natural to seek medication to help ease your symptoms and promote healing. As a nurse practitioner, I have faced the dilemma of finding suitable over-the-counter cold remedies without a clear, evidence-based answer. Standing in the cold and sinus aisle, the abundance of products is overwhelming. To make an informed decision, I considered the underlying causes of sinus congestion, including common colds, nasal irritants, and environmental triggers.

The sun makes all life possible on Earth, yet it’s a well-known fact that it’s also tremendously harmful for your skin. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) light, which, as we know, can cause sunburn. While traditionally associated with the sunny days and soaring temperatures of summer, the UV index is a year-long concern. Protecting yourself now is as important as ever.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Maryland, spread by bacteria found in the bite of black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. Though it’s common, the disease can be difficult to diagnose, sometimes resulting in debilitating symptoms that may have been prevented with proper, timely diagnosis and a simple course of antibiotics.

Warm, sunny weather in summer and fall is perfect for outdoor celebrations. Independence Day, Labor Day, family reunions, parades, cookouts, birthday parties—these are all occasions for which folks gather together to enjoy each other’s company, eat great food, and often top off the event with fireworks.